Chogada – Darshan Raval & Asees Kaur
“Chogada,” a song from the Bollywood movie Loveyatri (2018), is an infectious, high-energy track that captures the essence of festive Indian music, blending the spirit of Navratri with modern beats. Sung by Darshan Raval and Asees Kaur, and composed by the talented duo Lijo George and DJ Chetas, this song became an instant hit, especially for Garba enthusiasts during the festival season. Starring Aayush Sharma and Warina Hussain, the film used the song to bring out the lively and romantic aspects of the storyline.
The Essence of “Chogada”
“Chogada” taps into the essence of Garba, a traditional dance form from Gujarat, and skillfully combines it with contemporary elements, making it appealing to both younger and older audiences. The word “Chogada” refers to the decorative attire traditionally worn during Garba nights. The song’s vibrant rhythm and catchy beats inspire a celebratory atmosphere, and its incorporation of folk elements is what gives it that authentic festive feel.
At its heart, Loveyatri is a romantic drama, and “Chogada” serves as a bridge between the characters Sushrut (played by Aayush Sharma) and Michelle (played by Warina Hussain), helping to evolve their budding love story during the festival of Navratri. The song symbolizes joy, love, and celebration, making it more than just a soundtrack to the film; it became an anthem for festivals across India in 2018 and continues to enjoy popularity today.
Musical Composition
One of the most striking aspects of “Chogada” is its irresistible beat. Lijo George and DJ Chetas, known for their mastery of fusion music, expertly blend traditional Garba sounds with modern electronic music, giving the song a cross-generational appeal. The dhol (Indian drum) beats and folk instruments such as the shehnai are layered with EDM-style drops, creating a musical composition that transitions smoothly between tradition and modernity.
The rhythm is upbeat and drives the tempo of Garba steps, making it a popular choice for dance performances. Whether it’s at a grand Navratri celebration or a personal party, “Chogada” can be heard reverberating through speakers, urging everyone to dance. The fusion of Gujarati folk music with mainstream Bollywood pop adds to the charm of the song, helping it transcend regional boundaries to become a pan-Indian sensation.
Lyrics that Celebrate Love and Tradition
The lyrics of “Chogada,” penned by Darshan Raval and Shabbir Ahmed, celebrate both love and tradition. The lyrics revolve around the blossoming feelings between the two protagonists of the film, while also paying homage to the cultural significance of the Garba festival. The words, primarily in Gujarati, are simple yet powerful, touching on themes of love, romance, and celebration.
The chorus, which repeats the word “Chogada,” has become iconic, thanks to its catchy tune. The verse highlights the thrill of young love blossoming during a festival, encapsulating the joy, energy, and excitement that Navratri brings. The song gives a voice to the characters’ emotions, with lines like “Chudi jo khanke haathon mein, mann mein ghanti bajti hai” (When bangles jingle in her hands, bells ring in my heart) emphasizing the romantic undercurrent that runs through the song.
The lyrics are a blend of Hindi and Gujarati, which adds to the authenticity of the Garba-themed track. This bilingual touch not only enhances the song’s appeal in Gujarat but also resonates with a pan-Indian audience. The integration of local culture with mainstream Bollywood’s romantic narrative is what makes “Chogada” stand out from other Bollywood festival songs.
The Music Video and Visual Appeal
The music video for “Chogada” plays a pivotal role in bringing the song to life. Set against the backdrop of the Navratri festival, the video showcases traditional Garba dance routines, colorful costumes, and festive celebrations. Aayush Sharma and Warina Hussain’s characters are seen participating in the dance, with Sushrut, the male protagonist, clearly captivated by Michelle’s grace and beauty during the celebrations.
A visual feast of colors and movement, the video beautifully captures the excitement and energy of Garba nights. The elaborate choreography, performed by background dancers and the lead pair, amplifies the cultural richness of the song. The video was lauded for its authenticity in portraying Garba traditions while also delivering a high-production-value Bollywood experience.
The aesthetics of the video add to the song’s festive appeal, with vibrant decorations, twinkling lights, and colorful traditional attire creating an atmosphere that matches the song’s high energy. The visual element complements the music, further boosting the song’s popularity, especially among young audiences looking for catchy, visually engaging content.
Cultural Impact and Popularity
“Chogada” became the go-to song for Navratri and Garba celebrations as soon as it was released, quickly climbing to the top of music charts in India. Its blend of traditional Garba with modern Bollywood flair made it an instant hit at festivals, weddings, and dance parties. For many, “Chogada” has become synonymous with Navratri festivities, much like previous Garba-themed Bollywood hits like “Dholi Taro Dhol Baaje” from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.
Darshan Raval’s voice, already a favorite among the youth, added an extra layer of appeal to the track. Raval, himself a Gujarati, brought authenticity to the song’s folk elements, while Asees Kaur’s powerful vocals added a modern edge. The song became a crossover hit, enjoyed by both regional audiences in Gujarat and the wider Bollywood music fanbase across India.
The viral success of “Chogada” also extended to social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where users frequently posted dance covers and challenges set to the song. This further boosted its visibility and ensured that it became a staple of dance and music playlists long after the film’s release.
Conclusion
“Chogada” from Loveyatri stands as one of Bollywood’s most infectious festive songs, combining the cultural richness of Garba with modern musical styles to create something fresh and exciting. Its catchy beat, energetic rhythm, and engaging lyrics made it a festival favorite, while the colorful music video highlighted the vibrant spirit of Navratri. The song’s lasting popularity proves that “Chogada” isn’t just a momentary hit—it’s a timeless track that will continue to inspire dancers and music lovers for years to come.
હો, આવી ગઈ રાત, અને ભૂલો બધી વાત
પ્રેમ ની આ મોસમ છે
अब आओ मेरे पास, रह जाओ मेरे साथ
પ્રેમ ની આ મોસમ છે
હો, આવી ગઈ રાત, અને ભૂલો બધી વાત
પ્રેમ ની આ મોસમ છે
अब आओ मेरे पास, रह जाओ मेरे साथ
પ્રેમ ની આ મોસમ છે
मिल जाए मुझ को
अगर साथ तेरा तो भूलूँ मैं सारा जहाँ
છોગાળા તારા, છબીલા તારા, રંગીલા તારા
રંગભેરૂ જુએ તારી વાટ રે, હા!
છોગાળા તારા, ઓ રે છબીલા તારા, ઓ રે રંગીલા તારા
રંગભેરૂ જુએ તારી વાટ રે, હા!
છોગાળા તારા, ઓ રે છબીલા તારા, ઓ રે રંગીલા તારા
રંગભેરૂ જુએ તારી વાટ રે
छुप-छुप के तुम्हें देखा मैं करूँ
सारी-सारी रात, सारी-सारी रात
छुप-छुप के मुझे देखा तू करे
सारी-सारी रात, सारी-सारी रात
मिल जाए मुझ को
अगर साथ तेरा तो भूलूँ मैं सारा जहाँ
છોગાળા તારા, છબીલા તારા, રંગીલા તારા
રંગભેરૂ જુએ તારી વાટ રે, હા!
છોગાળા તારા, ઓ રે છબીલા તારા, ઓ રે રંગીલા તારા
રંગભેરૂ જુએ તારી વાટ રે, હા!
છોગાળા તારા, ઓ રે છબીલા તારા, ઓ રે રંગીલા તારા
રંગભેરૂ જુએ તારી વાટ રે